Barcelona’s striker hunt stalls: Kroupi emerges as costly Plan B

Barcelona Julian Alvarez hunt intensifies as the club seeks a long‑term successor to Robert Lewandowski at Camp Nou. While the Argentine striker from Atletico Madrid remains the top priority, the Blaugrana are already preparing a contingency plan. The departure of Lewandowski has left a clear gap in Barcelona’s frontline, prompting the search for a marquee forward. Reports confirm that a deal for the Atletico Madrid striker may not materialise, forcing the club to look beyond its primary target. Barcelona have identified Eli Junior Kroupi as their leading alternative should the Alvarez transfer fall through. According to SPORT, the 20‑year‑old French forward, currently at Bournemouth, is admired internally and would welcome the opportunity to wear the Blaugrana shirt. A photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images shows the Bournemouth striker, whose valuation close to €100 million poses a huge financial commitment for Barcelona.

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Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint‑Germain are also monitoring Kroupi, each prepared to invest around €100 million for his signature in Europe. Understandably, Barcelona are not alone in the pursuit, as the market for elite forwards remains highly contested. The club’s Plan B, as described by sources, hinges on securing Kroupi without exceeding its budget. One factor that could work in Barcelona’s favour is the potential pathway into the first team, with space likely to open after Lewandowski’s exit and Raphinha’s uncertain future. A photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images illustrates the contrast, suggesting the Camp Nou project may offer Kroupi a more prominent role than PSG’s established attacking group. Yet Bournemouth have made it clear they do not intend to sell the striker during the current summer window, presenting a major obstacle. Barcelona must therefore monitor the situation closely and decide before the transfer deadline closes.